The Monitor., 1887-12-16
Letter From Yridgeton.


I came to Bridgeton this morning to par
ticipate in the first reunion of the Oath
Regiment New Jersey Volunteers. | came
here to-day TO grasp the hands of comrades
whom | have not seen nor spoken to in a
quarter of a century.
A few months ago two officers of the
regiment met on a ferry boat and one ask
ed the other why the members of the
Twenty fourth should not hold a reunion
as well as other regiments. The sugges-
ton met with favor, and by the efforts of n
few two hundred and fifty y-five members of
the regiment were brought together ia this
city today, aad with them came number
of soldiers of the 18th, 29th and other regi-
ments of the late war. This day was
chosen because it is the twenty fifth ami
versary of the battle of Fredericksburg, in
which terrible engagement the Gath New
Jersey received its first baptism of tlre.
When the train bearing the veterans
stopped in the depot the Grand Army Post
of Bridgeton. headed by band of music,
arrived at the railroad grounds to escort
the regiment to Moore's Opera House
where the reunion was held. But it did
not begin in the Opera House. Il COM
menced at the depot There comrades met
comrades who had not seen or heard from
each other since the summer of 1868. Long
did the handshaking continue, and long
and patiently did the escort wait for the
regiment to form .into line. 1t was
such a morning as this just twenty-five
years ago when this regiment stood in line
in the city of Fredericksburg, every man
in the ranks with musket loaded and
primed, every officer at his post with drawn
sword waiting for the command to march
30 H. EoJI nj 1xaGt
the survivors of that memorable engage
ment face into line again in Bridgeton, and
as looked upon the venerable commander,
Col. VIM B. Robertson, sitting in the saddle
in front of his command, and as / watched
the movements of the familiar officers in
uniform, it vividly recalled to al. of us the
stirring scenes We witnessed and participa-
ted in years ago when in the tented field.
Crowds Of people had gathered. the band
began to play, the column started forward,
and after parading for some time we were
marched into the Opera House. Tents,
guns and flags were displayed upon the
stage in manner that resembled a SOL
dier's camp. Seated there with the officers
were William Carney and John Chapman
holding in their hands the old flags that
were carried on the bloody plain.
So much time had been consumed in
handshaking and social conversation dur
ing the morning that there was little time
for business, and there was comparatively
little business transacted. Colonel VIM.
B. Robertson was made Chairman of the
meeting, and when he rose to speak three
lusty cheers were given for the gallant
leader of the regiment. After addressing
few words to the soldiers on events past
and gone and expressing his pleasure at
seeing so many present and so many still
looking young he asked the audience TO
rise and sing the doxology, after which a
prayer was offered by minister, q
member of the regiment. An attempt was
made to call the roll of the regiment. but
it was found too tedious. During the brief
time it was being called, however, several
who were not present to answer 'Here, !"
as their names were called, voice in the
audience would answer dead" A per-
manent organization was effected with the
following officers; Col. VIM. B. Robertson,
President; John Seagraves, of Camden, and
James d. Torton, Of Pennsgrove, Vice
Presidents: Lieut.. Robt. p. Porter Secre-
tary; Benjamin r. Bright, Treasurer and
James ]. Reeves, Historian. The two most
familiar officers of the regiment on the
stage were Col Robertson and Adjutant
Cooper, who was the boys favorite in
camp, at the camp fire and in the cam
paigns. Time has whitened the locks of
our noble commander and he is not the
same strong soldier now. only in spirit.
Near the time of closing the Colonel was
presented with handsome Grand Army
badge of gold. Mr.. Robertson in ae-
cepting the gift said he could not express
his feelings in words, and while speaking,
or trying to speak, his voice was stopped,
tears coursed down his cheeks and | saw
more than one soldier in the room weep.
1t is nearing five o'clock, when the train
which brought us here will carry us away.
Already the soldiers are bidding hasty
good byes and leaving the hall. must go
too. 1t was happy occasion, and it is
with pleasure send you, dear reader, the
glad news.
WANDERER. or COMPANY "a"
December IS. 1887.